Day 27: Treat Yourself

“Have special treats ready though for those evening hours when your brain craves alcohol. Although there are people out there who cut alcohol, carbs, sugar and caffeine in one fell swoop I found that I needed ‘treats’ to keep from ‘treating’ myself to alcohol. Don't be afraid of ice cream! It's scientifically proven to make you happy.” - Boozemusings

Welcome to Day 27

I can’t believe we’ve gone almost the whole course without talking about Sober Treats!

If you are unfamiliar, sober treats is a simple concept that allows you the opportunity to “treat yourself!” to little gifts. These little treats could be part of:

A celebration/milestone, such as 24 hours, 7 days or any timeframe, really that you’ve abstained from alcohol

An activity that is designed to make you feel great and special (because you are!)

Or just a gift to get you through a gloomy or grumpy day (sober or not, we all have “those days”)

Non-Alcoholic Drinks - During the first 30 days or so, I relied quite heavily on non-alcoholic beer (Becks N/A in particular). I know this can be a tricky area as some people feel it’s triggering. But my heart and soul revolved around drinking red wine, so I didn’t feel tempted to go back to drinking real beer.

I also experimented later with non-alcoholic wine, but it gave me a headache and it just didn’t feel right.

I finally found my stride with really high-quality selzers, such as Topo Chico and Perrier. There are so many varieties of soda water out there, it can be fun to experiment with different flavors and brands!

But I’ve always enjoyed being able to justify other Sober Treats that aren’t just a replacement for beer and wine.

Some examples are:

Shea Cream or other bath and body products

Fresh flowers - I even started buying flowers for people, like my neighbors and friends (I’ve gotten so much nicer and more thoughtful since I got sober!

Ebooks, audio books or hard back/paperback books!

Glossy Magazines

Online courses - I invested in a financial online course to learn more about the stock market recently as a sober treat!

With every Sober Treat You are recognising and rewarding yourself for all the hard work, blood, sweat and tears that you are pouring into turning your life around. You are acknowledging that it takes a big effort not just in giving up the booze but in facing life every single day without numbing or avoiding.

— Lotta Dann

Other areas to splurge could be:

Essential Oils

Cosmetics

Handmade jewelry from local makers

Spa treatments, such as massages, facials or sauna time

New running shoes

Savory or sweet treats -

Image courtesy of PeanutButterandJackie.com

SPEAKING OF SWEET TREATS…

If you all of the sudden find yourself enjoying a sweet treat more than you ever have, well you are not alone!

I have spoken to lots of folks who experience intense sugar cravings after quitting drinking (I think I ate my weight in pumpkin muffins the first 30 days!).

Made with only four ingredients, they are sure to satisfy your sugar craving - but also serve as a self care treat that you can look forward to.

(In A Happier Hour, Bex Weller often said she made some raw dark chocolate treats to pop into the freezer - she knew they would be waiting for her after she returned from an event. I think this is a fabulous idea!)

Do you like to tend your garden, train for triathlons, visit museums? The fun thing about sober treats is that you can cater it exactly to your personality, interests and lifestyle!

The only important thing is that is gives you some pleasure and you acknowledge that YOU are worthy of being bestowed gifts and treats to celebrate your progress, achievements and very own unique path. Please don’t skimp on treating yourself. Being sober provides you the luxury of exploring other things that naturally give you a mood boost, relax you, entertain you or get your adrenaline going!

FOLLOW THE NEXT STEPS TO COMPLETE DAY 27

Make a list of ways you will treat yourself - and start today! Do it now! You deserve it.

Say your Daily Mantra "I am worthy of treating myself."

Head over to the Private Facebook Group and join us to share that you completed Day 27 - and some ways you are taking time out of your day to treat yourself

Send any questions you may have to me at kim@100dayssober.com. I want us all to have a successful 30-Day Reset so let me know how I can help.